Matt Drumm

percussion

Matt began playing drums and percussion at age nine. He graduated from the University of Washington in 2000 with a degree in Percussion Performance, studying primarily with Michael Crusoe of the Seattle Symphony. He has also studied with Bill Wanser (Phoenix Symphony), Tom Stubbs (St. Louis Symphony, Aspen Music Festival), and the late Cloyd Duff (Cleveland Symphony) among others. Matt has served as Principal Timpanist of Symphony Tacoma since 1999, Northwest Sinfonietta since 2011, Bellevue Philharmonic (2001-2011), Philharmonia Northwest (1998-2018), and Cascade Festival of Music (2006-07). Matt is in demand as a freelance timpanist and percussionist, frequently performing with Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet and more. Some notable performances are live performances of Fellowship of the Ring, three Harry Potter films and Star Wars, along with several recordings with the Seattle Symphony. He also has recorded numerous soundtracks for movies (including Akeelah and the Bee, Valkyrie and Mirror Mirror), video games (including Mercenaries and World of Warcraft), commercials and theme parks. Matt plays drumset and percussion for the worship team at his church and played with the Route 66 Big Band for almost 20 years. He has taught percussion lessons for over 25 years and coaches percussion for various schools, youth symphonies and summer festivals. For 15 years straight, one more of his students have performed at the State Solo & Ensemble contest, with 14 top-three places. Matt twice performed timpani concerti with Philharmonia Northwest (2004 Thärichen and 2016 Rosauro) and in 2011 premiered Gregory Youtz’s Duo Percussion Concerto with Tacoma Symphony, along with long-time colleague, Amy Putnam. In addition, he has written and published several percussion ensembles, a timpani solo and a drumset method book. When not playing music, Matt’s three little girls keep him busy at home.